November 20, 2013, 12:19PM

Cumberland County's direct support for the library is about 15 percent lower than the statewide average and about 55 percent lower than the nationwide average. In neighboring Dauphin County, county government spends about $18.84 in support per-capita. In Lackawanna County, it's $20.16 per-capita. Full story »

July 17, 2013, 2:17PM

"The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care," by New York Times bestselling author T. R. Reid is being used to generate community discussion on health care. Full story »

May 29, 2011, 12:00AM

Gov. Corbett and the Legislature have the unenviable task of preparing a state budget that recognizes the diverse needs of Pennsylvania. The Dauphin County Library System is appreciative that funding for public libraries is sustained in the governor's proposal. This follows years of substantive cuts to public libraries, some as high as 35 percent. Like Mark Twain, who said that... Full story »

March 17, 2011, 12:37PM

October 03, 2010, 12:50AM

Most of what we call sacred today is sacred because it was thought that in the past. It might be the Bible, the Torah or the Quran. It all depends on the society we were born into. It’s not easy to let go of the past and move forward. People love their traditions. Whatever controls our mind controls our... Full story »

July 25, 2010, 7:46PM

May 23, 2010, 7:06PM

Pennsylvania’s law governing library services is almost 50 years old, and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-Delaware County, suggests its time to review it to see if changes are needed. Pileggi has introduced a resolution calling for the Joint State Government Commission to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive update of the law. The report is to be finished... Full story »

May 21, 2010, 12:52AM

Libraries are busier than ever, and more access to libraries --- not less --- is needed. Sadly, state budget cuts and local cuts that followed in many places have forced libraries to cut hours, programs, computer access and staff. Just consider: Last year when circulation was up 9 percent and library visitors up 11 percent, the state's public library subsidy... Full story »

April 21, 2010, 8:59AM

Have you heard? George Washington owes $300,000 in fines for two books he checked out from the New York Library and never returned. Jokes aside about the minor “scandal” rocking historical circles, libraries today almost prefer users in the mold of George Washington. Faced with fewer dollars from government source, libraries increasingly rely on grants and overdue fees to... Full story »

January 16, 2010, 2:19PM

Middletown is seeking a new library director after the borough's former director left along with other employees when new council members were elected late last year. Library director Stephanie Liva was one of three administrators who were terminated without prejudice -- meaning the decision to leave was mutual -- in December. Acting borough manager Cindy Foster and human resources manager... Full story »

December 21, 2009, 12:55PM

Businesses can get tax credits for helping support the summer reading program of Cumberland County’s cash-strapped library system. Jonelle Darr, system executive director, said Pennsylvania officials have deemed such donations eligible for Educational Income Tax Credits. Business donors can receive credits equaling 75 percent of donations up to $300,000. The credit can rise to 90 percent if the firm... Full story »

December 10, 2009, 11:54AM

Cumberland County's public libraries will be making more cuts to programs and hours in coming weeks to deal with a 33 percent loss in state funding, the library system's executive director told county commissioners this morning. Jonelle Darr didn't cite any specific cuts. Boards of the individual libraries will announce the parings this month and in January and February, she said. The reductions,... Full story »

November 13, 2009, 11:04AM

Cumberland County's library system will have to consider more service cuts to deal with a 33 percent reduction in its state funding for 2009-10, Executive Director Jonelle Darr said this morning. Still, she said she is confident the agency has the means to weather the immediate effects of the $860,000 state funding loss. Projections show that budget deficits will hit the system in... Full story »

October 01, 2009, 2:15PM

About 30 books were stolen from the Bosler Library in Carlisle last week, police said. The books' jackets were discovered at the top of a parking garage and were turned into the library on West High Street. The estimated value of the loss is $900. Anyone with information on the theft can call Carlisle police at 717-243-5252. Full story »

September 15, 2009, 6:14PM

A rededication ceremony for the Harrisburg Downtown Library will be held Wednesday to celebrate the completion of interior renovations. The ceremony, which will begin at 5:30 p.m., will be held at the nearly 100-year-old building at 101 Walnut St. Updates to the building include the restoration of the library's original vaulted ceiling, additional seating with a river view and a... Full story »